Cornwall's Regimental Museum

Cornwall’s Regimental Museum is recognised as probably the finest Military Museum in the South West of England. Housed in “The Keep”, former army barracks and imposing Grade II listed building, the large and varied collection tells the story of the County Regiment from 1702 until the present date, as well as the national collection of the Light Infantry. An excellent collection of uniforms, weaponry, medals, musical instruments, decorative and fine arts and some surprises - such as the biggest piece of the Berlin wall in the country. Dogs are welcome. Look out for our special family events.

Discounts

Museums Association

British Association of Friends of Museums

National Art Pass

International Council of Museums

Getting there

The Keep is located on Lostwithiel Road, 100 yds from the Bodmin and Wenford Railway which was built to service the Barracks. Visitors to the steam railway receive up to 40% off museum entry with a valid ticket.

We are less than a 10 minute walk from Bodmin town centre.

Additional info

Unfortunately wheelchair access is only available to the Archive and Library areas of the building (ground floor). The Museum is located on the first and second floor however, there is a 'virtual tour' (computerised) of the Museum for those unable to manage the stairs. Ask in the 'Rifles Office' for access to this on arrival (ground floor)

Second hand book sale on the ground floor.

A fine collection of medals, weapons, uniforms, paintings and artefacts are clearly displayed and will appeal to all age groups, enhancing and bringing to life much of the country’s history covered in the National Curriculum.

An extensive library and archive exists and willing volunteers will help you research family history.

Collection details

Coins and Medals, Weapons and War

Exhibition details are listed below, you may need to scroll down to see them all.

Exhibition (temporary)

The History of the Barracks Exhibition

18 March 2017 — 18 March 2018 *on now

The exhibition incorporates a model of the barracks, old photographs and plans which tell the story. It includes information about 'The Keep' which today houses the museum and was originally built in 1859 to provide stores and a parade ground for the Royal Cornwall Rangers Militia Regiment. This was later extended into Victoria Barracks in 1881 with the addition of many other buildings, including separate soldiers’ quarters for the newly formed Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (DCLI). The exhibition also shows how the site expanded further into Walker Lines Camp which was constructed in 1940/41 to house troops preparing for the invasion of the European mainland.

We’re keen to gather more information about the barracks and would love to hear from people who have any memories of the working and social life of the barracks in its heyday.

The exhibition opens on Saturday the 18th March 2017.

Suitable for

Any age

Admission

There is no additional fee for this exhibition, usual Museum entry charges apply.

Adult: £6, Ages 6-18: £2, Children 5 and under are free. For concessionary rates please see the museum's website, or get in touch.

Website

Events details are listed below. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all. For events that don't have a specific date see the 'Resources' tab above.

Event

the Roses of No Man's Land

26 — 28 August 2017

The Roses of No Man’s Land bring their authentic WW1 field hospital.The fully equipped field hospital is staffed by real nurses, and a medical officer will be on site to reconstruct fake wounds, demonstrating how wounds would have been treated during the First World War.

The ‘Wenches in Trenches’ (Roses of No Man’s Land) will come and set up their genuine Field Hospital on the morning of Saturday 26th August (they will be ready for visitors by lunchtime), and will then entertain visitors all weekend, right through until Monday afternoon.

There will also be a fascinating talk each afternoon on the subject of ‘Nurses and Medics: Life on the Western Front’. Booking is not necessary but please check timings in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment.

Website

Roses of No Man’s Land – WW1 Field Hospital

26 — 28 August 2017

The fully equipped field hospital is staffed by real nurses, and a medical officer will be on site to reconstruct fake wounds, demonstrating how wounds would have been treated during the First World War.

The ‘Wenches in Trenches’ (Roses of No Man’s Land) will come and set up their genuine Field Hospital on the morning of Saturday 26th August (they will be ready for visitors by lunchtime), and will then entertain visitors all weekend, right through until Monday afternoon.

There will also be a fascinating talk each afternoon on the subject of ‘Nurses and Medics: Life on the Western Front’. Booking is not necessary but please check timings in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment.

You can find more information on our website, or join the Roses of No Man’s Land on Facebook.

Website

Kernow Concerts Present: STEVE TYLER & KATY MARCHANT

1 October 2017 From 7:30am

Two internationally acclaimed musicians whose repertoire includes an eclectic mixture of music from the medieval and early renaissance periods, melded with traditional works and some of their own compositions.

Admission

Website

Museums at Night: Mission Museum

Calling all codebreakers, detectives and secret squirrels! Explore the historic Army Keep by torchlight and find the clues written in invisible ink.

Join us from 7:00 pm on Friday the 27th October for a special late opening ‘Museums at Night’ event: Mission Museum.

Bring a torch and explore Bodmin Keep, historic home of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry Regiment, and the heart of Cornwall’s Military life for over 150 years. Discover the trail of clues, but look carefully – vital intelligence will be concealed in UV ink! Visitors must solve the invisible clues to complete the mission.

Suitable for

Admission

Website

Getting there

The Keep is located on Lostwithiel Road, 100 yds from the Bodmin and Wenford Railway which was built to service the Barracks. Visitors to the steam railway receive up to 40% off museum entry with a valid ticket.

We are less than a 10 minute walk from Bodmin town centre.

Cornwall's Regimental MuseumThe KeepBodminCornwallPL31 1EGEngland

Website

E-mail

Telephone

01208 72810

All information is drawn from or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.